Marilyn Gladu (pictured above), federal Conservative Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, once recited an anti-pot poem on the floor of the House of Commons. She currently serves as the party’s health critic. If Andrew Scheer becomes Prime Minister (which recent polls show is a real possibility), and Ms. Gadhu retains her seat, she has a reasonable chance of being named federal Health Minister, and the de-facto head of the cannabis file.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Cannabis Professional, Ms. Gladu pledged her party would not reverse cannabis legalization. However, she did say a Conservative government would, among other things, take a harder line on regulatory enforcement, a softer approach to marketing restrictions for edibles and would consider banning home cultivation outright. What follows are direct transcriptions from Ms. Gladu on what her top cannabis-related priorities would be if she finds herself in cabinet later this year.

REGULATORY CRACKDOWN
There is a real gap in Health Canada enforcing its regulations. Across the country we are hearing of people who either have a medical license that has been combined with other people and they are growing way more plants than they’re allowed. Or they haven’t done anything about the odour so they’re depriving their neighbours of enjoyment of their property because of the skunky smell, or they haven’t taken adequate security precautions. Definitely one of the things Conservatives will do is make sure regulations are enforced.

I don’t accept at the beginning that there are inadequate resources. I think there are lots of inspectors within Health Canada and it is a question of priority. It isn’t as if they need to go find out where there are concerns. People are forwarding letters through me to the head of Health Canada saying look at these locations, the police are saying they are not there to enforce Health Canada regulations but honestly, Health Canada is not responding to those things.

PREFERENCE FOR SUPPORTING LARGER PLAYERS OVER CRAFT GROWERS
The people who are large in this business, Canopy Growth and Tilray and Aurora, these are people who are adhering to the regulations, mitigating the odour, putting security in place, so the government is recognizing [through the cannabis licensing changes Health Canada announced last week] it would be better to have more of those and less of the, shall we say, one-stop cowboy that wants to put up a steel frame with plastic bags that doesn’t meet the regulations. Who is going to invest millions of dollars in a plant with no government certainty on licensing? I think that clearly was an error in judgement on the part of the current government. I think though, the intent to try to focus on those people that will obey the regulations, that is a good intent. There are multiple ways to get there and I think we do not want to exclude small craft growers, but why punish those that are paying the rules?

We don’t want to discourage small businesses, but on the other hand we have to balance that with the rights of the neighbours and the owners of property to have their rights protected. I think there is a sweet spot in the middle where you can encourage small craft growers, but let’s face it many of them have been operating illegally and have not been prevented from continuing to operate illegally.

ANTI-HOME GROW
Colorado five years down the road still has not gotten rid of organized crime, mostly due to the fact that they allowed for home growing and so they have huge issues with that. Washington state did it better – they took their medicinal marijuana system and extended that to recreational and they were able to reduce organized crime to less than 20 per cent of the market. We would definitely look at [changing the home grow rules]. This is an area where real estate folks are concerned about the mould that may be growing in people’s houses and who is responsible for paying for the audit that is needed before you can sell that property? There are people that own property that do not want their tenants to be growing marijuana in their property and they don’t have any rights under this current legislation. There is more to be done in that area. The federal government essentially gave everyone an individual right to grow [cannabis] in their home and there have been multiple people who are not happy about that. We’ve had the Indigenous people say that some of their nations want the ability to not allow anyone to grow.

FEWER PACKAGING RESTRICTIONS FOR INFUSED FOODS AND DRINKS
We need to learn from those that have already legalized edibles. We are [about to] come out with products that may not be competitive to the organized crime market that is already in place and has beautiful graphics and much higher levels of THC in their edibles, so you have to have a competitive offering. If you’re only allowing people to create edibles that are in plain white packaging that have a much lower dosage, will that be competitive in eliminating the organized crime market? I think that is a question that remains to be answered but it is certainly something we are going to be watching. The reality is, the government is trying to be well-intentioned about making sure it doesn’t fall into the hands of children but it is 30 per cent of the market today, it is being accessed by children. I think we need to not be naive and recognize that these products… when the competition is at a certain level and you’re trying to compete, you can’t do that with a less competitive offering.

MORE FOCUS ON ADVANCING LEGALIZATION GLOBALLY
There is really, still, a lot of border-crossing anxiety. We should be speaking more to our neighbours to the south and we should probably be having conversations with the United Nations because [legalization here] did break three treaties we have with them and I think there is an appetite in the world to update those treaties to reflect the change in world perspective on this issue. Those are steps as well that we would take. [Q: Are our diplomats not already doing that?] Jane Philpott when she was in the role was doing that role on the world stage with the UN on this file but then Bill Blair who took the file over has been, shall we say, distracted by the asylum-seeker issue and so hasn’t really done anything there.

OTTAWA, May 8, 2019 /CNW/ – Health Canada is introducing changes to align the approach to cannabis licensing with the approach for other regulated sectors, such as pharmaceuticals.

Effective immediately, Health Canada will require new applicants for licences to cultivate cannabis, process cannabis, or sell cannabis for medical purposes to have a fully built site that meets all the requirements of the Cannabis Regulations at the time of their application, as well as satisfying other application criteria.

With respect to existing applications, Health Canada will complete a high-level review of applications currently in the queue. If the application passes this review, the Department will provide a status update letter to the applicant, indicating that it has no concerns with what is proposed in the application. Once the applicant has a completed site that meets the regulatory requirements, the Department will review the application in detail, in priority based on the original application date.

Health Canada is implementing these adjustments following a review of its current licensing process, which identified opportunities to better allocate resources. For example, more than 70% of applicants who successfully passed Health Canada’s initial paper-based review of their application over the past three years have not yet submitted their evidence package to demonstrate to the Department that they have a built facility that meets the regulatory requirements. As a result, a significant amount of resources are being used to review applications from entities that are not ready to begin operations, contributing to wait times for more mature applications and an inefficient allocation of resources.

To support applicants, Health Canada has made available additional guidance on the licence application process and on the regulatory requirements regarding Good Production Practices and physical security measures. The Department is also working to establish service standards for the review of applications, which will increase predictability for applicants. Health Canada will continue to provide enhanced support to Indigenous-affiliated applicants through its Indigenous Navigator Service. It will also implement additional measures to support applicants applying for a micro-class licence.

These changes are part of Health Canada’s commitment to the continuous improvement of its administration of the cannabis licensing program. Building on changes made in 2017 and 2018, the new approach responds to feedback from applicants about the time it can take to become licensed and the fact that there is now a larger number of applicants seeking to enter a growing and maturing legal market.

Since the changes in May 2017, Health Canada has licensed more than 129 new sites—nearly triple the number of sites licensed in the four years prior. There are now more than 600,000 square metres of space under active cultivation. Based on standard industry averages, this is enough cultivation space to produce approximately 1,000,000 kilograms of cannabis per year, which is roughly equivalent to independent estimates of the total cannabis (legal and illegal) consumed in Canada.

There are no changes to the regulatory requirements, including the rigorous security clearance process for key personnel and corporate directors. Furthermore, Health Canada will continue to inspect all facilities before a licence to sell products to the public is issued.

Health Canada will continue to work closely with new and existing licence applicants to ensure that they are aware of the new application requirements.

While clinical research continues to be restricted due to cannabis’s regretful status as a schedule I controlled substance – it is clear that a positive correlation exists between THC and pain relief.

#2.) Eases Nausea & Vomiting

Did you know that an FDA-approved THC pill (Marinol) for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients has been around since the 1980s?

In fact, Marinol has been marketed as a pharmaceutical alternative to cannabis.

However, while Marinol does contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound is both synthetic and isolated.

Which means that it pales in comparison to the entourage chemical compounds found in natural, whole-plant cannabis.

Marinol does not include beneficial components such as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all of which work better together rather than separately.

Interestingly, a study in 1995 revealed that oral doses of THC-8, a cannabinoid-like the regular THC but with lower psychotropic effects, were an effective treatment for children suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea.

The only side effect found was slight irritability.

Considering that other nausea medications such as Zofran can lead to side effects like: diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, muscle spasms, rash, fever, and constipation just to name a few – THC-based therapies are a much safer option.

#3.) Protects Brain Cells

One of the biggest cannabis myths is that it kills brain cells. Science shows the exact opposite to be true.
Reefer madness led a lot of people to believe that cannabis consumption kills brain cells. However, the reality is this could not be further from the truth.

While most drugs are neurotoxic, THC is considered to be neuroprotectant. Which means that it actually protects brain cells from damage.

Here’s a mind-blowing example: a study in 2014 found that people with THC in their systems were 80 percent less likely to die from traumatic head injuries than those without.

Mind-blowing, right?

#4.) Effective Sleep Aid

Have trouble sleeping? Research shows that THC health benefits play a role here as well.

Trials in the 1970s found that oral doses of the cannabinoid helped insomniacs fall asleep faster.

And that’s not all.

Recent research suggests it may also improve breathing while reducing sleep interruptions.

Great news for those suffering from conditions such as sleep apnea!

#5.) Helps Treat PTSD

It’s estimated that 8 percent of Americans (24.4 million people) currently suffer from PTSD.

To put that into perspective, this number is equal to the population of Texas.

PTSD can include symptoms such as agitation, severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and social isolation – it can be a crippling condition.

Yet, THC has shown to be a highly effective treatment option for PTSD.

Some psychiatrists say that THC-rich cannabis is the only treatment for PTSD.

In fact, studies have confirmed that THC eases a variety of PTSD-related symptoms including agitation, depression, insomnia, flashbacks, and nightmares.

This means that for those suffering from PTSD, they can finally get the peaceful sleep they need to heal and regain balance in their lives.

All they need is safe access to cannabis and guidance on how to best implement it into their lives.

#6.) Promotes Brain Growth

Believe it or not, the medical benefits of THC for the brain may be even bigger than we thought. Not only does the psychoactive protect brain cells, it also stimulates brain growth.

How does it work?

THC activates the “CB1 receptor” in our brains. This stimulation promotes a process known as long-term potentiation which improves the brain’s ability to learn.

Scientists also discovered that like CBD, THC causes brain cells in the hippocampus to grow.

Some research even suggests that THC can protect spatial memories.

This is why small doses of cannabis can treat or even slow down diseases such as Alzheimer’s. THC can also help protect against Alzheimer’s in other ways, too.

If that weren’t enough, we also have a study showing people with THC in their systems are 80% more likely to survive head trauma!

#7.) THC Increases Appetite

Cannabis can also help you digest your meals through increased gastrointestinal motility.
Conditions such as HIV, eating disorders, hepatitis, and dementia can lead to a loss of appetite.

Over time, this can result in severe malnourishment or even death.

THC is known for increasing appetite.

Researchers have found that THC interacts with the same type of receptors in the hypothalamus that release the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. In fact, THC can even make food taste better.

While some have written off these effects as a case of the “munchies” there is something much more profound going on here.

With the right approach, THC hunger-inducing effects can dramatically improve quality of life. And in some cases, even save lives.

Interestingly, certain cannabis cultivars can also suppress appetite, which can be another advantage for a lot of people.

#8.) Enhances Senses

You may not consider this among the other THC health benefits, but hear me out…

Many people have steered away from THC due to its psychoactive effects.

In fact, a lot of prohibitionists claim this is what makes cannabis so “dangerous” in the first place.

However, people have been enjoying the psychoactive components of the cannabis plant for thousands of years.

Cultures across the globe incorporated the plant in spiritual ceremonies and rituals for this very purpose.

While the psychoactive effects of THC may not agree with everyone, that doesn’t mean we all should steer clear.

Especially given that it is impossible to fatally overdose on THC.

Cannabis used with intention and the right dosage levels provides countless benefits.

From life-changing revelations to enhanced creativity to deeper personal insights.

For many people, the enhancing effects of THC provide very real psychological benefit and relief.

#9.) THC is Antibacterial

Did you know that one reason cannabis plants produce THC is to protect itself from pathogens?

As it turns out, the cannabinoid may do the same for humans and animals.

In a rodent study published in Plos One discovered that treating mice with dietary THC effectively changed their gut microbes over time.

In this particular case, the cannabinoid changed the gut microbes of obese mice into a microbial community more similar to lean mice.

But, that’s not all.

In 2008, researchers at MIT discovered that treating a concerning antibiotic-resistant pathogen with the psychoactive successfully killed the bacteria when other drugs could not.

The bacteria in question was Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes serious gaping wounds when left untreated.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, antibiotic-resistant infections contribute to “two million illnesses and 23,000 deaths” each year.

Will this herb’s main component help? It’s certainly worth some investigation.

#10.) Antioxidant

There’s a reason why cannabis has been touted as an anti-aging and anti-stress tool.

THC and other cannabinoids are potent antioxidants.

This isn’t surprising, considering that in addition to protecting cannabis plants from pathogens, the herb increases its THC production in response to UVB light.

UVB light is the type of light that causes oxidative stress in humans, contributing to visible aging and other skin diseases.

Oxidative stress can cause damage at both cellular and DNA levels.

This damage makes consumers more prone to serious ailments like cancer and neurodegenerative illness.

As a potent antioxidant, one of the many health benefits of THC is protecting the body from stress-related damage.

#11.) Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is a hot topic in the healthcare world these days.

Why?

Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for all different kinds of diseases.

Many canna-curious individuals opt for CBD to control inflammation. However, THC has a part to play as well.

Research suggests that, in some instances, the cannabis compound can decrease the production of cytokine and chemokine compounds in the body.

Cytokine and chemokines are immune compounds that trigger inflammation.

Additional pre-clinical research suggests that it may be able to decrease inflammation by suppressing genes related to inflammatory response.

These findings may explain why so many consumers find relief via the many health benefits of THC.

#12.) Bronchodilator

Lung health is not often the first thing you think of when considering the health benefits of THC.

Yet, believe it or not, the compound may help open airways in your lungs.

A known bronchodilator, studies conducted back in 1975 provided the first evidence of the cannabinoid’s ability to ease asthma attacks.

Interestingly, the study found that even smoked cannabis eased patent’s asthma symptoms. Though, a study of this kind certainly wouldn’t be highly thought of today.

However, some budding biopharmaceutical companies are experimenting with cannabis-based drugs for serious conditions like asthma and COPD.

Others are investigating inhaler technologies that would allow consumers to inhale measured doses of cannabis compounds without smoke.

However, the psychoactive may not be the only cannabis compound that may assist the lungs.

A particular terpene, pinene, may enhance the bronchodilatory effect of THC.

As the name suggests, pinene is an aroma molecule that provides a strong pine scent to some cannabis cultivars.

Cannabis strains that feature high levels of pinene may provide enhanced bronchodilatory effects.

#13.) Potential anti-tumor agent

Although cannabis is not a cure-all, it is a game-changer for cancer patients.
Cannabis is making waves in the realm of cancer research.

Early research in the lab and in animal models has found that the herb kills cancer cells in several distinct ways.

While multiple cannabinoids show anti-cancer potential, THC is one of the main contenders.

Dr. Gregory Smith, a Harvard-trained physician, discussed this with Green Flower, touching on emerging evidence that suggests that the psychoactive and other cannabis compounds have strong anti-cancer potential.

Specifically, Dr. Smith mentioned that there three distinct ways that cannabis affects cancer.

The first is through a process called apoptosis, which is an immune function that triggers cells to self-destruct when they are damaged or diseased.

“[Cannabis] does that apoptosis, that horrible word, that tells the cancer cell to go kill itself. It’s literally a key that turns a lock and tells the cell to kill itself,” said Dr. Smith.

But, that’s not all.

In laboratory models, the cannabinoid can block a tumor from forming blood vessels.

This essentially starves the cancer cells by cutting off their food and oxygen supply.

Green bud, grey area: Medical cannabis consumers buy products directly from licensed producers, but they must pay for it out of pocket – sometimes to the tune of hundreds of dollars a month.

Medical cannabis generally isn’t covered by third-party health insurance plans because it doesn’t have a drug identification number (DIN), a regulatory stamp of approval issued by Health Canada. Sun Life became the country’s first major insurance company to offer optional coverage for medical cannabis in 2018, while Manulife also launched optional coverage for participating individual and group plans in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart. A handful of employers may offer some type of coverage through their employee group benefit plans, but for many consumers, the only opportunity for financial relief comes through the taxman.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows for cannabis purchased under prescription to be claimed as a “medical expense” deduction on your federal income taxes. Here’s how it works:

Who qualifies to claim medical cannabis?
Anyone with a prescription from an authorized medical practitioner to purchase cannabis from a licensed producer. Producers are legally required to issue receipts, which you’ll need come tax filing time. Hold on to the paper copies, or find out how to access your receipts online. In case of an audit or review, the CRA recommends keeping receipts for six years.

What can you claim?
The amount paid for fresh or dried cannabis, cannabis oils, and cannabis seeds and plants procured from a licensed producer – basically, product only. You cannot claim costs related to growing or accessories such as lights, containers and other storage, fertilizers, vaporizers, pipes, capsules, or capsule filler machines.

How do you file?
Check your receipts and tally up the amount you spent on medical cannabis, and add the total to any other allowable medical expenses you plan to claim on your T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return, the most basic form filed by individual Canadians to complete their income tax return. If your return is prepared by a professional, submit your receipts to them. If you use tax software to complete your return, you’ll be prompted to enter your medical expenses in the deductions and credits section.

Medical expenses don’t have to be calculated by the calendar year, but by any 12-month period ending in the current tax year (2018). If you already claimed these expenses on your last tax return, you can’t claim them again.

What gets deducted?
Your total eligible medical expenses minus the lesser of $2,302, or 3% of your net income (your income after taxes). Depending on how much you make and amount of medical expenses claimed, the threshold can be high. Here are two examples using different incomes and the same $2,500 in medical expenses:

If your net income is $70,000, you must deduct $2,100 from your total medical expenses. You will receive a credit of $400.
If your net income is $30,000, you must deduct $900 from your total medical expenses. You will receive a credit of $1,600.
Each province and territory has different tax laws and policies, but you only have to submit one return through the CRA. Except for Quebec, all provinces and territories let the federal government collect income taxes and administer the returns. Quebec residents file both a provincial income tax return with Revenu Québec and a federal return with the CRA.

The deadline to file your income tax return for the 2018 year is April 30, 2019, or by June 17 if you’re self-employed.

On the eighth episode of The Fear of Science, hosts Jeff Porter and Daniel Chai talk about weed and weed culture with Terry Roycroft CEO of MCRCI and comedian Kyle Bottom. Find out what has changed after legalization in Canada and the advances in medicinal marijuana science.

MCRCI is excited to be teaming up with Integrative Alternative Health Service (IAHS) in Red Deer, Alberta! We are happy to be able to offer our industry leading experience to patients in Red Deer and surrounding areas.

MCRCI is joining forces with IAHS; taking over their medicinal cannabis service, adding, support, resources and experience. We will be offering our services to patients (new & old) at IAHS including both our Basic and Production memberships.

IAHS’ mission is to transform how Health & Wellness is perceived through integrative therapies & education focused on Mind, Body & Soul. Bringing these services to your front door. IAHS offers service across Central Alberta so call them today at 587.679.4247 for more information.

Our services through IAHS include:

Evaluation of a patient’s eligibility for medicinal cannabis
Access to Health Canada & ACMPR program
Additional support, as needed, for patients under 18 and patients with no previous
cannabis experience
Support from MCRCI educators in understanding the advantages of different licensed
producers and their products
Support from MCRCI educators on cannabis as a medicine, strains, and administration
The arrangement of appropriate follow-up visits with the physician
Adjustments in a cannabis treatment program as needed, to include changes in daily
amounts authorized, re-issuing of medical documents, and additional documentation
Assistance in responding to employer concerns regarding the use of cannabis for
medical purposes
Access to MCRCI educators for ongoing support and guidance
Guidance in the federal ACMPR program
Information regarding dispensaries and/or compassion clubs
Timely reminders to renew ACMPR authorization
Discounts on accessories and products (books, vaporizers, etc.)

“(Dr. Ian) Mitchell, who is participating in a randomized controlled study on the effects of cannabis on patients with post-traumatic stress syndrome, said a lot of what is known about the harms of marijuana also comes from observational data.

He also noted randomized controlled studies examining the benefits of marijuana have been suppressed for decades due to a research blockade in the U.S.”

The Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centre Inc. is now open in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

MCRCI is now coast to coast across Canada after having opened our doors in Halifax.
We are excited to have the opportunity to assist patients on the East Coast offering our education and guidance in medicinal cannabis and Health Canada’s Access to Medicinal Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) program.

MCRCI began our commitment to helping patients in 2010 opening our first location in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Since then we have been able to open our doors into 2 more BC cities, Vernon and Kamloops allowing us to help patients in the Okanagan Valley and surrounding areas.

Our move to Halifax has been something that we have been working toward since our initial opening in 2010. We are very proud to now have our feet on the ground on the East Coast! After spending time in Nova Scotia, our team has met wonderful individuals who we believe are a great representation of the patients we will be meeting moving forward.

We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about cannabis as a medicine to contact us at our new Halifax location: